7.06.2011

New Multicam™ Patches for Sale at MilitaryUniformSupply.com

In the past, big battles were fought by tens of thousands of men in a relatively small area. In these times, a distinctively colored uniform allowed commanders to recognize their troops, which proved advantageous. By the start of the 20th century though, technology has made this mode of fighting obsolete. Concealment was desired and environment blending army uniforms were introduced. Army patches were developed to distinguish one unit member from another. By the 21st century, camouflage patterns are continuously improved with the current Multicam™ uniforms requiring patches of the same kind. Thus, military suppliers offer Multicam™ patches for sale for every possible need.

Army patches were first introduced in 1918, at the height of the First World War. The 81st Division of the U.S. Army Unit was the first unit to sport Army patches, soon followed by the other divisions for purposes of identifying the unit they belonged to. The image of the wildcat was chosen as the 81st Division’s symbol, which was later adopted by the Inspector General’s office. Soon after, the use of patches was ordered in all divisions. During the order, it was noted that two patches may be worn: one on the left shoulder and the other on the right. The patch on the left represents the unit the serviceman currently belongs to. The patch worn on the right signifies honor for having fought in a combat zone under a particular unit.

The popularity of army patches did not take long to catch on, especially with the veteran soldiers who have documented evidences of their unit affiliations on top of their discharge papers. Today many patches and divisions have survived but others have been retired only to be revived during the Second World War. Others have been permanently retired. When the National Geographic magazine wrote about army patches in 1919, civilian interest was sparked and army patch collection was born. Among the most distinctive army patches was the Big Red One which belongs to the 1st Infantry Division. It was so-called because it is very simply designed with a large “number 1”. Released on October 31, 1918, the division was the first to land in France in World War One and to engage in combat at that time. Army patches reflected symbolism and heraldry during World War II.

Today, historical army patches are sold in military surplus outlets such as the MilitaryUniformSupply.com. Committed to the provision of quality military clothing and accessories to its customers, Military Uniform Supply (MUS) offers numerous designs of army patches which can be used for combat, garrison duty, as a badge of honor, or as a fashion statement.

Military Uniform Supply recently released ten (10) Multicam™ army patches which have been added to their ever growing inventory. One of these new designs is the 20th Support Command Multicam™ patch. Specified for the Army OCP or Multicam™ uniform, these patches are made to match the Multicam™ camouflage pattern. Another new patch available at MUS is the 300th MP Brigade Multicam™ patch which bears the design of a key. The Afghanistan Combined Forces Command patch, like the previous two, is designed for the Army Multicam™ OCP uniform. Designed with an eagle about to set its claws down on the craggy mountains of Afghanistan, this patch follows the specific regulations of The Institute of Heraldry, which is responsible for coming up with the designs of the patches for army use.

The U.S. Army Acquisition Executive Support Emergency patch bears the symbol of Alpha and Omega while 36th Engineer Brigade patch features a seahorse. The Multicam™ and OCP patch of the 3rd Infantry Division is simply designed with diagonal stripes with black alternating with Bagby Green. Included in the current batch of new Multicam™ patches at MUS is the 800th MP Brigade Multicam™ patch and the 311th Sustainment Command patch, and the 43rd MP Brigade patch.

The final inclusion of newly available patches at MUS is the JFK Special Warfare Center Multicam™ patch with Airborne Tab. All the new patches at MilitaryUniformSupply.com are made according to the specifics of The Institute of Heraldry (or TIOH) and are attached by Velcro® or equivalent hook fastener. These patches are competitively priced, ranging from $6.50 to $8.00 USD.

If you opt to get your army Multicam™ patches at MUS, you can be assured of good quality and excellent craftsmanship at a reasonable cost. Visit www.militaryuniformsupply.com to learn more.

7.05.2011

Military Flight Suits: Current Standards For Safety And Practicality

The current standards for military flight suits today focus primarily on two basic features. They should be lightweight and fire retardants. These features benefit the wearer as it does not compromise speed of movement and it protects him from the main hazard of aviation. Air Force and Navy personnel use flight suits made of Nomex. This fabric is both lightweight and fire resistant and is made of aramid. While flight suits are designed for aviation purposes, other branches of the military like the U.S. Marines used them in vehicle patrols and ground combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan because of their fire resistant capabilities.


Military flight suits are often colored green or desert tan. They feature multiple pockets for carrying the various necessities of a military pilot. The Nomex fabric, which is both lightweight and fire resistant, is the fabric of choice. Although most countries use the fabric for flight suits, designs vary. For the U.S. Military, the model used is the CWU 27/P which is available in either sage green or desert tan. For private individuals who desire a functional uniform for civilian flying, flight suits are available for purchase in military supply stores. They are often used by helicopter crew and aerobatic pilots for practical purposes.


The development of the flight suit followed the progress of aviation in general. In the past, flight suits focused more on the provision of warmth for pilots who had to contend with the extreme coldness of open cockpits. The need for multiple pockets with closures though has always been a concern. In World War I, leather two piece suits became the norm as it was durable, warm and was able to ward off flying debris. In 1917, Australian aviator Frederick Sidney Cotton developed the Sidcot which was used until the 1950's as it effectively provided warmth. During World War II, electric heated flight suits were introduced. With the advent of the fully pressurized crew cabin, flight suits took a different turn, now becoming more focused on safety and the ever present need for practicality.


With new technology paving the way, the development of military flight suits became more focused on practicality and safety. The current flight suits used are made for the purposes of not weighing the wearer down with its heaviness as well as protection from the threat of fire. These concerns are solved with the Nomex fabric, which is used for the present day flight suits. Military supply stores sell Nomex flight suits in different colors like khaki, navy blue, sage green, desert tan, black and even orange ones. Made according to military specifications, these commercially sold flight suits are practical and often purchased by civilians who desire a uniform for flying.


The practicality and safety that military flight suit designs offer are not only exclusive for air force flight suits. The civilian flyer is as much concerned with safety and practicality as a U.S. Air Force pilot. Its benefits and advantages apply to everyone whose work or recreation involves flying. You can get reasonably priced flight suits in many military supply stores. However, as with most purchases, ensuring that what you buy serves you well entails choosing a reliable supplier that provides high quality merchandise.

7.01.2011

Get Your Custom Military Name Tapes Made At MilitaryUniformSupply.com

Military name tapes are essential to come up with a complete Armed Forces uniform, be it the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coastguard. These name tapes are attached to daily working uniforms as well as flight suits. Serving as a non optional source of identification along with army unit patches, the wearing of name tapes is a must for every serviceman on the job. Military supply stores have a wide variety of custom military name tapes to choose from depending on the branch of the Armed Forces to which you belong. These retail or online stores also serve the needs of simulation military games enthusiasts if they want to get name tags to get a more genuine feel of the game.


As a source of identification, military name tapes are quite popular although servicemen can get name tags in metal or plastic, too. Compulsory for every soldier to have, a name tape identifies yourself from others and as such, its acquisition should be taken as seriously as the other elements of the military uniform you are honored to wear. It is not enough to have it made by just any military uniform supplier in the next block. You have to look for one that ensures that your name tapes meet the regulations put forth by your military branch. It is very important to ensure that you provide the correct spelling of your name. The military senior officials address their members by their surnames and name tapes enable them to identify you correctly.


Depending on the uniform, you can get monogrammed or embroidered name tapes which can be used for Class A or Class B military uniforms. Usually made of a digitized fabric on which your name is embroidered, it is often attached with Velcro tapes or hook and fastener although the US Army has made new regulations regarding its use. A military uniform without a name tape is considered incomplete without a source of identification that follows military regulations. Regardless of its size compared to other military uniform essentials, it is am important component that you can’t do without or be allowed to do without.


It is not only the members of the military who have a need for military name tapes. People engaged in simulation military games like airsoft and paintball get theirs too because it lends the game the authenticity of a real battle. Often, a team put for this specific purpose comes up with a team name and they can also use it in lieu of the unit patches.


Shopping around before making the purchase should enable you to choose the best supplier for you. Custom military name tapes are designed to ensure that your name is spelled right and the right colors are used for the uniforms you intend to attach it to. When deciding on making a purchase, keep in mind that you have to provide a few days’ lead time to give the supplier adequate time to make it. A single name tape won’t cost you too much. Often going for six dollars a piece, these tapes are often purchased in sets to ensure that won’t be caught without a spare if you lose or damaged one.


High quality custom military name tapes can be bought in many reliable army surplus suppliers. One online store you can rely on is militaryuniformsupply.com if you choose to shop on the web. They carry a wide array of military name tapes for every branch of the military and can be depended upon to provide you with your name tape needs for whatever purpose you have for it.

Ghillie Suits: Insights for Combat & Recreation

The term “ghillie” was referred to by the Englishmen before as to those assisting in hunting expeditions and stalking deers, and also fly fishing in Scottish Highlands. The actual suit was invented by the Scots as a portable hunting blind. However, the first ghillie suits for military use were created by the British Army for their first sniper unit. The Australian Amy's sniper unit also had their own name for their version of the Ghillie suits. They called it Yowie, since it resembled a hominid which is similar to the Yeti. Thus, the ACU ghillie suit, along with other ghillie suits, are sometimes referred to as “Yowie suits.”
Since then, ghillie suits have always been used as brush-style camouflage clothing. It has been indeed effective to blend the wearer to their surrounding environment, thus, concealing themselves from targets and possible enemies that lurk in the same grounds. It is three-dimensional, making a great resemblance of heavy foliage.
There has been a question whether or not ghillie suits are suitable enough in the operation field. It is because there are concerns on the weight it has that the wearer must carry. It may indeed be uncomfortable when used in places with moderate to high environments. Furthermore, the pieces may be at risk to be burnt easily.
Ghillie suits for sale are manufactured carefully. High-quality ghillies, are made by hand and that some of the military snipers construct them on their own, though it may take some time. Many ghillie suits are assembled into six pieces, making everything detailed enough. Once in the field, the ghillie suits can be customized by the wearer by adding more twigs, branches, leaves, and other materials found in the field to increase mimicry.
Are there really good ghillie suits in store? The answer depends on where you shop. But for the most part, yes. Five piece Ghillie suits are manufactured and that they are available in different types with varying colors. There is this something for desert, woodland, ACU, or even the snow, which looks way different with its white and gray tones. Stores also have the complete ghillie suit kit, with 7 colors of jute or burlap to create any pattern you like body and head netting. Some ghillie suits are fire retardant and designed to add natural vegetation. You can also design it if you would want to wear it when standing or in crawling position. The paintball ghillie suit is a unique one since it comes with extra burlap in five colors to match the environment, three applications of fire retardant, and that it could fit over the paint ball mask and still lightweight with only 3.5 pounds.
Whether or not you would need a ghillie suit for encounters or just pure fun, you can surely search around stores that could give you a fair price on their ghillie suits on sale. Coming in an array of different colored materials, you must consider the working environment you would be into so that you would not have any much of a problem with visibility. Enjoy having your own ghillie or yowie suit.

6.30.2011

All About Multicam Unit Patches

Patches have been used by major formations of the Army of the United States of America. Each has its own unit patch and that the military person must have each unique patch. It has been a part of the military uniform ever since. It is usually worn on the upper left shoulders of the uniform. The Multicam pattern of the Army Combat Uniform has been used and that there exists multicam unit patches. They are embroidered on the multicam pattern textile. The textile is a 7-color pattern of shades of tan, brown, gray, green, or pink. This would increase the mimicry for the army in combat. Furthermore, the silhouette that it may have when seen with infrared goggles are lesser compared to other patterns available. It has been through great experimentation that the said pattern has been approved. Nowadays, the multicam pattern is used by the United States Army for the operations in Afghanistan.


Before, multicam patches were sewn directly into the uniform itself. This makes it non-removable in case of busy operations and that there are no possibilities that it would be lost. This was the traditional way of having multicam patches with the uniform itself. Nowadays, there has been a slight difference with the way it is being put on. There are Velcro and hook fasteners to try and put into the uniform. The Velcro type can be removed easily and changed in case it is the wrong one. Also, it is easily attached and removed whenever you would want them to. The patches are to be worn in the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniform. It was derived from Crye Precision's proprietary pattern. The Velcro has been the method of attachment to the ACU SSI uniform. It depends on the wearer on how the unit patches would be attached to their own respective uniforms. What is important is that the military personnel would be identified with the use of the unit patch.


The multicam unit patch is worn for identification sake. The most common part for it to be worn is on the shoulder, but sometimes, it is also worn on other places. Some are sewn directly or embroidered into the same multicam textile. A lot of patterns are available and that there are different designs that you could choose from, depending on the unit that you are included. They come in prices that are affordable enough and that you would never have problems on locating the right pattern for you. You can try searching over the Internet for the multicam unit patches that are available, look at the picture of how they would look like, and their specifications.


Multicam uniforms are never complete without the unit patches that come with it. No matter what formation you are into, a unique patch is indeed available for you. Try weighing the benefits and decide on what you would want to have to be properly identified. Multicam patches are out in the market and it is never a problem to have one.

6.23.2011

Discover The Origin Of Flightsuits

The clothes worn when flying an aircraft such as airplanes, gliders and helicopters are called flightsuits. One of the purposes of these suits is to keep the one wearing it warm. They are known to be durable, even acting as a fire retardant. They are also practical, featuring lots of pockets. Sometimes used as a combat uniform, the flightsuit may show rank insignia. It is designed similarly to a jumpsuit.


The basic jumpsuit design and the presence of several pockets in the flightsuit are born of a need to keep warm and to prevent the loss of articles. Aviation in its infancy included the experience of being exposed to unheated and open cockpits, this need for warmer clothing. After this, the flightsuit underwent many incarnations, most with the goal of keeping the wearer warm. In the First World War, different types of flight jackets and pants coverings were introduced for the purpose of warding off the low temperatures that high altitude flying and low oxygen levels bring about. Leather made its appearance around this time and because it offered other benefits aside from keeping warm like protection from flying debris, it soon became popular. In 1917, Australian aviator Frederick Sidney Cotton introduced the Sidcot suit which are flightsuits that effectively kept pilots warm. The Sidcot endured until the 1950's and were used by the RAF.


In the Second World War, electrically heated suits were made by Lion Apparel with the help of General Electric. This was a necessity for patrol and bomber crews because at an altitude of 30,000 feet, feel could instantly freeze if it gets in contact with any metal. With the advent of pressurized cabins, the need for warmth became less of a priority. Waist gunners, though still had to contend with cold. The B-29 Superfortress finally made bulky flight wear unnecessary due to its fully pressurized crew cabin and remote controlled gun turrets.


Fighter pilots operated in tight confines so they needed a flightsuit that worked well with their environment. The AN-S-31 flightsuit was developed, which was made of either wool or tight weave cotton that worked as a fire retardant and wind resistance. Fire-protective flightsuit, helmets, goggles, masks, gloves and footwear and flak jackets were also developed. The G-suit came into existence to prevent blood pooling into the lower extremities as the pilot executed high-G combat maneuvers. When this happens, he will faint or "blackout". The G-suit is designed to ensure that the blood flow to the brain is sufficient to keep the person wearing it functioning. By the 1960's, more specialized suits came into being to facilitate higher altitude flying and finally, space flight.


Air forces around the world mostly use Nomex, which is a type of lightweight fabric made out of spun aramid. Its fire protective properties are a distinct advantage. While still currently using the BDU or the Battle Dress Uniform, the US Air Force is set to completely replace it with the ABU uniform as Fiscal Year 2011 ends on September 30 this year. The Airman Battle Uniform or ABU differs only from the ACU because of the inclusion of slate blue in its colors. This is also what differentiates it from the current Battle Dress Uniform.

Flightsuits have come a long way since aviation began. As technology progresses man will never stop looking for better options for functionality, practicality and durability. The ABU may be all set to replace the BDU but it will only last until a better option comes along.

6.21.2011

Advancements in Camouflage & Uniforms

The Army Combat Uniform, or more commonly called the ACU, is an official uniform of the United States Army. It is a design of camo that was made to change the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) and the Desert Combat Uniform (DCU) of the 80s and the 90s. Unlike the other uniforms before, the ACU is composed of more variations of color in addition to being more complex in pattern. The camouflage patterns had gone through series of experiments before it was fully approved to be used in operations. These experiments have found the ACU to provide enhanced mimicry in a wide range of conditions while lessening the silhouette of soldiers from infrared visualizers. Overall, the US Army has achieved its goal developing a new pattern that is highly versatile for a number of military units.


The ACU is made of fifty percent cotton and fifty percent nylon. It is said that Army Combat Uniform provides a breathable feel and is comfortable for a number of conditions. There are ACU jackets and pants that deliver many features. The jackets have a hook and loop fasteners for carriers and other accessories. The ACU Uniform also is complete with army name tags, patches, boots, socks, and a cap. The clothing makes up the ACU is also wrinkle resistant, and some styles are fire resistant.

Military clothing has emerged from a simple 3-color camo to highly specialized patterns that can conceal and individual in multiple environments. Even both the woodland BDU Uniform and DCU Uniform are evolving as the demand for top notch army clothing increasing. To learn more or buy ACU, BDU, or DCU uniform clothing, check out one of the military surplus stores on the web.

6.17.2011

All About Army & Military Boots

The use of the military boots by people, not only in the military profession but of civilians, is a growing trend. There are a lot of available army boots on the market, but having the specifications of what military boots are need is a must have. Most military boots are sold at reasonable prices, with fit specifications. Indeed, military boots are good buys since they are durable enough to be used for a long time.

Steel toe boots are boots made for safety. These are the durable types that have metal toe boxes to better protect the toes from heavy objects that may fall on the foot. Traditionally, the steel toe boots of the past were very heavy, but now with advancements in military boots, they have become lighter, offering increased mobility & performance.

If you are assigned in the jungle and have to go over puddles of mud and rainy weather conditions? To be free from the wet surfaces, waterproof boots come in varying styles to protect from moisture. They are made to be in the military height of eight inches and are tailored using a wide range of materials, including special cowhide leather and nylon fabrics.

Lightweight boots, like Multicam boots which make it easy to move from one place to the other, are designed to provide added mimicry with the Mulicam camo uniform. As boots are always partnered by the style of military clothes, they are designed for the concealment of the people who in the field of combat. Added mimicry helps soliders remain safer in the heat of battle.

Army boots are used in outside operations. They can be suited for tactical, desert, combat, or even winter. It depends on the climate and the places the military personnel are assigned, as to know whether what boot fits them best. Tactical boots are lighter and made of strong leather. The desert boots are usually tan in color and has wider cuffs for breathability. Combat boots are made strong enough, usually by leather, since the conditions in the jungle are tough. The military needs to walk on any type on land they need to, evem through rivers. For winter, the boots would provide more heat and insulation to the wearer.

The Ever-Changing ACU (Army Combat Uniform)

The Army Combat Uniform is used during operations in many different areas. It is made of good material and designed with many unique camouflage patterns to choose from. Experiments are in fact conducted to make camo designs more effective for added mimicry. Indeed, the soldiers need to be one with their environment, espcially in different locations, elevations, and climates. The patterns used in the Army Combat Uniform also lessens infrared silhouette, making it difficult for the opposing side to track down soldiers using infrared devices.

The ACU comes with certain name tapes. ACU name tapes are for the purpose of identification. They are made using the same textile as that of the uniform, only that the name, branch, or rank is embroidered. Name tapes for the ACU are embroidered black letters and can come with a hook fastener that may attach the uniform. There are also sew-on name tapes which are growing in popularity.

There are also ACU patches that come with Velcro or equivalent hook fasteners so that you may be able to remove or attach them easily. Units and division patches can also be directly sewn into the clothing of the military personnel. ACUs always come with the name, rank, and certain patches for official soldiers. There has always been trouble whether or not the aforementioned things were to appear with the velcro or hooking fastener, or to be sewn. Military and army officials are coming to an agreement on the standards for ACU specs.


What really is better? Using fastening equipment like Velcro, or just having everything sewn? With the Velcro-type, name tapes and patches are easily applied and removed. However, with velcro, thier is the risk of the name tape or patch to be unintentionally removed. One solution that officails claim to be the best method is to embroider everything onto the uniform. In this case, you would not have problems with it being lost.

The Army Combat Uniform has been changing through time. Stay up to date on the latest changes of the ACU on the Army & Military Blog.

6.15.2011

A Closer Look into the Army Combat Uniform

The Army Combat Uniform (or the ACU) is the uniform worn by the United Sates Army. As the ACU has been acclaimed, its use of multiple camouflage patterns helps it to be rarely seen amongst the right conditions. There are common patterns in the ACU that are like the Universal Camouflage Pattern and the MultiCam. As troops in military are beginning to apply the latest versions of the MultiCam and ACU, the commercial sale of the Army Combat Uniform has increased.

The Army Combat Uniform consists of different items that may cover you completely from head to foot. ACUs have an array of things to offer. The headgear can be a boonie hat or a patrol cap. The boonie hat is wide and the patrol cap is soft and straight-sided. There are also helmet covers available designed to meet the standards of the Kevlar helmet. They are made of nylon, cotton, or polyester.

For the body gear, they have a hundred percent cotton-made shirt. They also have jackets made to ACU standards. The ACU jacket has hook-and-loop backed attachments for items such as badges, patches, and other accessories. It is especially made to decrease infrared silhouette. The U.S. Flag insignia is also present on most ACU uniforms on the right shoulder area.

Trousers are designed with a number of pockets, all with Velcro for security. Also, the ACU has a special line-up of belts, and knee patches are also optional for more protection. By special request, a pair of flame resistant ACU trousers is readily available for extreme conditions.

For footwear, there are special boots and footwear made especially to the ACU standards. The boots must meet specific color specifications to match the Army Combat Uniform.

That is almost everything with the Army Combat Uniform. The ACU is an interesting outfit filled with complexities and functionality of some of the most advance uniforms. They are indeed made for the people who are brave enough to serve the country and its people.